Page 45 of Sinners Retreat

“I didn’t expect you to have company,” Bennett says.

I sit forward and smirk at him. “And why is that? Because you told me to stay away from him? You should have known that would only push me toward him, Bennett.”

Remembering why I’m there in the first place, Ezra turns toward his brother. “Speaking of that?—”

“Nope, we can discuss this later.” Bennett shakes his head and turns for the door.

“At least tell me why you’re back so early,” Ezra says before he can leave. “The dinners usually last well into the evening.”

Bennett balls his fists at his sides, more than happy to vent about the blonde stranger who ended his evening. “Her littlefriendruined everything. When Chef Maurice brought out brain puffs as a nice little hors d’oeuvre, she refused to try it.”

Ezra winces.

“When Maurice came at her and tried to assault her, I had to step between them. Do you know how difficult it was to defend the thing I hate?” Bennett shivers and looks at the ceiling. “I should have let him beat her to death, but I enjoy the food.”

So I have both CatandBennett to thank for interrupting what was sure to be an evening of moaning, writhing, and a lot of pleasure? Well, I know just how to thank both of them.

I turn to the men and smile. “How would you boys like to team up with me for the Island Olympics tomorrow?”

Chapter Sixteen

Ezra

Bennett and I pass the pavilion on our way to a wide stretch of sand that will be home to this year’s Island Olympics. The site where we usually host the games was made into a nude beach this year. No one liked the idea of watching Maudlin Rose and Grim—the two oldest participants—strip down to their birthday best, so we opted to move the festivities.

Unfortunately, we still have to pass the old site on the way, and Bennett and I are treated to a rare display as both Rose and Grim aim their buttholes toward the rising sun. They claim it’s spiritually cleansing.

“Why did I agree to do this?” Bennett asks as we try to avert our poor eyes.

“Because you want to win? That’s all you cared about last night.” I pull off my t-shirt and let the sun’s warmth sink to my bones. Maybe the two nutters on the beach are onto something.

“Some of these other killers need to be humbled.” Bennett turns toward me. “Kind of like you.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You need to realize how stupid you’re being. Both of you.” He brushes a hand through his dark hair. “You keep saying it’s just sex, but it’s not, and you know that.”

It’s literally just sex. We made sure of that last night. She was very clear. She doesn’t have feelings for me, and that’s fine. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. Rather, it could have been, if Bennett hadn’t decided to cockblock me for the entire retreat. If he’d arrived a half-hour later, I’d have already tied her up and we’d have been well on our way to bliss.

Sigh.

She had a moment of weakness last night, but I don’t know if I’ll catch her in the right mood again.

“Thanks for last night, by the way,” I say. “Kindra and I had a wonderful discussion after you tried to tarnish my name. A playboy, Bennett? Is that the best you could come up with?”

“Would you rather I told her the truth? That you’re the Abattoir Adonis?”

I look around to be sure no one heard what he said. That’s when I spot Kindra and Cat only a few paces behind us. We were so lost in conversation, I didn’t hear their feet rustling through the sand. I can only hope the waves muffled what my brother just said.

“Ladies,” I say, testing the tense air for any turbulence. My heart resumes beating when Kindra graces me with a bright smile.

“Gentleman,” she says.

A black one-piece bathing suit and blue shorts cover her body from view, leaving what lies beneath to my imagination. And I’m imagining her beneath me now. And on top of me. And on her knees in front of me.

I could keep going all day.I have a good imagination.

Cat has chosen a tiny pink bikini top and short jean shorts, leaving nothing to the imagination. She’s the definition of Bennett’s type, and I don’t know how he doesn’t see it.

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